A comedian and founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade, known for his improv skills and creating humorous content for TV and film.
Matt Besser is a household name in the world of comedy, renowned for his improvisational skills and as one of the founding members of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) sketch comedy troupe. With a career spanning over three decades, Besser has left an indelible mark on the comedy world, pushing the boundaries of improvisation and entertaining audiences globally.
Born on September 22, 1967, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Besser grew up in a culturally diverse household with a Jewish father and a Christian mother. His grandfather's cousin, Joe Besser, was a member of the legendary comedy group, The Three Stooges, which may have sparked Besser's interest in comedy from a young age.
Besser's early life was marked by a passion for soccer, which earned him a spot on his high school team. However, he opted to attend Amherst College, where he majored in American Studies and discovered his true calling in stand-up comedy.
Besser's comedy career took off in the early 1990s when he began taking classes at Chicago's Second City iO Theater. It was here that he met his future UCB collaborators, Ian Roberts, Ali Farahnakian, and Adam McKay. The group began performing improvisational comedy, and their unique brand of humor quickly gained popularity.
In 1990, Besser co-founded the Upright Citizens Brigade, which started as a sketch comedy group in Chicago. The group's success led to a TV show on Comedy Central, which ran from 1998 to 2000. This exposure catapulted Besser and his fellow UCB members to national fame, paving the way for a new generation of comedians.
In 2011, Besser launched the improvisation-based podcast, Improv4humans, which has become a staple of the comedy world. The podcast features Besser and his co-hosts, including Chris Gethard and Jessica McKenna, creating hilarious scenes and characters based on real-life stories and current events.
Improv4humans has gained a massive following, and its success has led to live tours, TV specials, and even a spin-off podcast, Matt and Brett Buy a House, which documents Besser's adventures in home ownership with his co-host, Brett Morris.
Besser is an outspoken atheist and has spoken publicly about the importance of rational thinking and critical inquiry. He believes that comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary and has used his platform to tackle topics such as politics, religion, and social justice.
Besser's commitment to his craft is evident in his tireless efforts to promote and support the improvisational comedy community. He has taught workshops, hosted festivals, and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of comedy.
Matt Besser's contributions to the world of comedy are immeasurable. He has inspired countless comedians, improvisers, and writers, and his work continues to entertain and educate audiences around the world.
As a true pioneer of improvisational comedy, Besser's legacy will be felt for generations to come. His commitment to his craft, his passion for creativity, and his unwavering dedication to making people laugh have cemented his place as one of the most beloved and respected figures in the comedy world.
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